Archaeologists have unearthed a 3,000-year-old Iron Age cemetery in the Al Ain region of Abu Dhabi. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced the discovery, highlighting its significance as the first major Iron Age cemetery found in the UAE.
The necropolis contains over 100 tombs, providing valuable insights into the burial customs and lifestyle of the people who inhabited the region during the Iron Age. The discovery is part of the 'Funerary Landscapes of Al Ain Project,' initiated in 2024 to investigate prehistoric tombs found during construction work.
Artifacts discovered include jewelry, pottery, weapons, and personal items, showcasing the advanced craftsmanship and trade connections of the time. Jaber Saleh Al-Marri, Director of the Historic Environment Department at DCT Abu Dhabi, stated that this discovery transforms our understanding of the ancient Emirates. Tatiana Valente, a field archaeologist at DCT Abu Dhabi, noted that the Iron Age has always been a missing piece of the puzzle, and this discovery helps to solve it.
The Al Ain archaeological sites have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites since 2011. Further research is planned for 2024 to enrich our knowledge of the UAE's past and its role as a crucial hub in ancient times.